I took the following picture with my iPhone (above) tonight while at Allen Fieldhouse, it was the second Kansas Jayhawks basketball game of the season (my alma mater). While the picture quality isn’t great, it also can’t express the emotions I felt …going back to Allen Fieldhouse to watch a game gave me chills (hey, stick with me, this blog post isn’t about sports- I promise).

You almost feel like a kid again with the stimulating emotions that flow through you when you walk into Allen Fieldhouse. Looking around, gazing, taking the rich old history of the arena (you can almost smell it), soaking it up for everything it’s worth. And nothing can replace the excitement you get of the pre-game traditions and in-game cheers ‘n chants you yell along with the entire band + student section.

As a loyal KU grad, the experience certainly takes me back and I bask in the moment every time I’m lucky enough to attend a game. Going to tonight’s basketball game reminded me of a great quote I love to share because it rings so true:

“Experiences satisfy the soul”.

This quote can be interpreted into several meanings -but what it encapsulates, is what we all long for…

…in this world of smartphones, iPhones, g-chat, crackberrys, the Internet, HDTVs, Facebook, iPods, Wii’s …there’s a lot of “virtual” technology out there that certainly keeps us entertained. Everything is moving so fast and screaming for your attention with alerts and asking you to multi-task just to get it all done. However, with all of these electronics and virtual entertainment that exist, they can’t replace the compelling and moving experience of a great- authentic- real life experience. For me, I know going to a KU game is one way I “satisfy the soul” with an experience that I cherish.

I’ve realized on any given day the things I choose to do (work or play), for the most part, are all very carefully calculated choices. Everything has rationale, justification and is prioritized accordingly. However, I make sure to never lose sight of the fact a great experience is worth a lot. Living in the moment- devoting your full attention to things that matter most- enjoying the experience …it makes all the difference.

It’s the experience that you remember and walk away with. So regardless if you are the one providing the experience OR you’re just there to take it in yourself- just remember the weight in which it’s worth. It can mean the world to someone.
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